Jun 28, 2014 | Flotsam
We spent the better part of the morning being entertained
by the White Sail class…
…still very little wind…
…we took R.E.D. to the main dock in Kingston
to provision for the next couple of days…
Met up with friends whom we hadn’t seen for many years
and spent the evening enjoying a great meal and catching up
with a promise to not let so many years pass before getting together again…
…tomorrow SAILING!…
Jun 26, 2014 | Flotsam
Left Lower Brewers Lock at 0900,
following the lazy Cataraqui River toward our final 4 locks…
By mid-morning we had reached the upper end of Kingston Mills.
They were just locking through another boat ahead of us
so there was a half-hour wait…
not in a hurry so didn’t really mind.
The view from the top of the locks (#46-#49) is one of the prettiest we have seen…
By 1130 we were on our way again
…past a goose crossing…
and by 1300hr we were in sight of the city of Kingston…
…and reached another milestone – 201 nm…
We chose as our first stop
Canadian Forces Base
…not double O but close enough…
Free for the first night and just $25 for each consecutive.
Full access to all the amenities made this a real bargain stop.
The vice-commodore pointed out we could use their barbecues
and when I told her we have our own onboard, she replied:
“Why use your own propane when you can use ours”.
(going to have to stop being so independent)
By 1500hr our lady was all dressed for what she was meant to do…
Sails aired and re-furled….
We watched while the White Sail students brought in a fleet of 8 very nice dinghies.
…acting as rescue team as one came screaming toward R.E.D.
…caught their jib sheet on our anchor…
…Francois saved the day…
…the student – Mathieu – dropped off this fine Bordeaux as an apology
(Frenchmen are so classy)
…the resident Great Blue Heron stood guard for the night…
Jun 25, 2014 | Flotsam
Another misty grey day on the Canal…
Because we tend to go to bed ‘with the chickens’,
every day is an early start.
After a casual breakfast, a couple cups of coffee,
and a little fishing
we prepared ourselves for the 4 locks at Jones Falls (#39 – #42).
(another one of those no real reason photos)
Through a series of narrow channels and little lakes
we reached what looked like a very long low bridge far ahead…
not on our charts!!!
A closer approach to Brass Point and all was clear…
another of Parks Canada little miracles of engineering…
the bridge was swung out for us to pass
and swung back to allow traffic to continue.
We locked through Upper Brewers (#43 – #44)
(15 month old lock mascot Huskey pup)
Even though it was still early we stopped for the day on the lower side of
Lower Brewers (#45)
(main reason- shore power)
Enjoyed some lunch while we discussed our day tomorrow…
…and then it was fishin’ time…
…SUPPER…
…a 3-4 lb big mouth bass…
…a little butter, lemon and lots of salt & pepper…
…some rice, barley, lentil, quinoa pilaf…
free dinner at Lower Brewers…
Tonight lulled to sleep by the Brewers Mills Falls…
…tomorrow, last part of the Rideau Lock (#46-#49)…
then R.E.D. gets to do what she was meant to do….
Sail….
